RCBenchmark 1580 Installation Procedure

This is a tutorial on how to install and use the RCBenchmark 1580 in the laboratory.

  1. Download the software for the RCBenchmarkGUI on the desired computer.

  2. Follow the tutorial for the installation of the hardware in the RCBenchmark manual (step 1 to 6).

  3. Download the drivers located here. Run the .ex file as administrator.

  4. Follow the instructions for the installation of the software in the RCBenchmark manual (step 7 to 12) BUT do not use the chrome app. Use the software downloaded at step 1. The chrome app seems to yield inferior results (poor sample rate) and has problems recognizing the USB port of the RCBenchmark.

  5. When the Benchmark is installed (not bolted yet), the Thrust and Torque Calibration can be performed in the Utilities menu. Afterward, the Load Cells can be tared to obtain maximum precision. After these calibrations, the setup can be bolted.

  6. Use the Manual Control menu to directly send commands to the ESC or the motor. 1000 us for no throttle, 1500 us for a medium throttle and 2000 us for a maximum throttle.

  7. Different graphics can be observed in the GUI. These data can afterward be written in a CSV file.

Other information:

  • Always wear security glasses when using the TestBench. The motors can go to speeds of 10 000 RPM and the vibrations caused by the setup at high intensity can unscrew the bolts of the propeller.

  • The signal sent by the software to the ESC is a PWM signal of frequency 50Hz and duty-cycle between 1/20 (No throttle) and 1/10 (max throttle). This signal has a tension between 0 and 5V. The maximum and minimum value for the duty-cycle of the PWM can be changed in the section Utilities->Outputs limits.

  • Be sure to not firmly bolt the Benchmark before having completed the Thrust Calibration because this procedure needs to be done with the setup placed vertically (with a C-Grip).

  • Stiff security cutoffs are in place on the GUI, which limits the value of current, RPM, vibrations and other critical value on the Testbench. Their value can be modified in the menu Safety Cutoffs.

  • The sample rate of the Testbench is dependent on the performance of the computer connected to the Testbench. Maximum 50Hz with a good computer.

  • If you obtain negative value of thrust or torque, it may be because the two load cells have been installed in the wrong order or because the connection from the ESC to the motor are wrong. By switching the order of the connections from the ESC to the motor, the problem should be fixed.

By Karim Bouzid, If you have any questions, contact me at [email protected]

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